If you're looking for a fun way to engage your core, your grit and your wits, look no further. Serao Academy is the best gym I've ever trained at in the Bay Area and arguably the best gym in the South Bay. The instructor's are friendly and knowledgeable and the culture is vibrant and fun. That said, training is fierce and the talent here is top notch. Thank you to Serao Academy for teaching me Jiu-jitsu. I'll be taking the foundations learned here and building on them in Southern California. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Serao Academy - Martial Arts Near Me - Mountain View, California

Serao is an exceptional community of dedicated professionals committed to making a real difference. Enrolling my children there before middle school not only boosted their confidence but also ignited a lasting passion for combat sports. read more

Serao Academy will always be a special place for me. I trained my first year and a half there in BJJ and Luta Livre/ No-Gi Jiu Jitsu. I left only because I moved to San Diego for work. I would be there right now but for no longer living in Palo Alto. Do youself a favor and train BJJ with Leo, Roscoe, Chad, Theo, Abraham, Vincent, Daniel and others (sorry for omissions guys). Great people, great place and I will miss it tremendously. read more

I was worried, at first, about starting, since I hadn't done any serious sports or martial arts since college, but my only regret is not starting earlier. This gym is so welcoming, Roscoe and Chad are great instructors, and Leo actually trains. I would definitely send my kids here if I had any, and I always regret missing a day. For me and many others, BJJ is therapy from the stress and craziness of Silicon Valley life, and I couldn't think of a way in which Leo & co. could improve how they handle the students and the gym. The familial and supportive / positive atmosphere is contagious, and extends to everyone else at the gym too. There's a healthy level of "don't take yourself too seriously," while at the same time caring a lot about the students' progress, providing top-notch instruction, and really caring about safety. The three instructors for the night classes (the only ones I attend, since mornings are for the birds) all have different styles of instruction and each has a different game, which makes the learning even more well-rounded. Also, the no-gi here is absolutely stellar, especially since Leo (head coach, and the gym's namesake) is originally a luta livre guy, and one of the very few black belts in luta livre in the US. Look into the history; it's pretty interesting! Can't recommend this place enough. It's really changed my life for the better. To say it feels like family is cliche, but not untrue. Just watch out for Eugene's elbows and smothers... you've been warned. ;) read more

After being interested in Jiujitsu for years, but without time to actually dedicate myself to it, I finally decided my kids (8 and 4) were already old enough to be able to handle their mom actually doing what she wanted to do! It was a scary search, I shopped around most jiujitsu academy's in the South Bay, and trust me... it's sad to say most of them made me feel sooo uncomfortable, that I was kind of thinking about quitting my goal before I even started. Some of them where rude and had no patience, they made me feel so embarrassed, others seemed to just want to take my money, others had "super stars" or at least they thought they were, no one was down to earth! And then I get to Serao Academy! And first thing I meet the owner Leo who welcomes me with the biggest smile! Everyone, all of the instructors are always trying their hardest to teach they humblest way possible! Every time people are joking around, smiling, everyone seems to leave whatever baggage at the door, (work problems, family problems, stress) and just come into the academy so happy to be there and with the best attitude! Even the students are very nice and will never complain about practicing with a beginner! As a woman, not so young and a mom I feel like this is the greatest physical activity, it's exercises every part of the body(core ) and also helps with agility and it's a great way to learn how to defend yourself if you would ever need it! I never ever thought I would be so comfortable practicing this with guys as much as girls, and this happens because of the amount of respect Leo reflects in his students, and his students towards their peers. If you are thinking about an academy, join, try it, you have my word , you will not regret it! P.S: the kids program it's very nice too! read more

Best place to train jiu Jitsu in Mountain View! Give it a try you won't be disappointed!

I've trained at five different places over the last three years, no where has felt like home the way Serao's Academy has. Leo Serao has run this school for several years and in that time has produced multiple world champions (Long Beach IBJJF Worlds). At the same time, he's got a gym that's inviting, casual, and fun. It's a perfect place to start your BJJ journey or to grapple with some of the toughest competition in the country. Serao Academy has a laid back atmosphere that makes it easy to ask questions and try things out. Classes have a warm up for about 15 minutes, some techniques to learn for 30 minutes, and then active sparring at the end. There are gi and no-gi classes which provide a really well rounded set of techniques for both the fast paced no-gi (Luta Livre) or slower more technical gi fighting. He's also got a regular set of black belt assistant instructors who are helpful, knowledgeable, supportive, and really really really good at jiu-jitsu (shout out to Roscoe and Chad). The regular members there come from all careers, ages, and sizes. There are kids (including kids competition classes), young professionals, and seasoned veterans as old as my dad but still kicking ass. There's also plenty of white belts and new comers, so don't worry about being the "new person". Jump in, give BJJ a shot here, and enjoy learning solid jiu-jitsu at the greatest place I've ever trained. read more

My 5-year old has been attending their youth class for two months now. We're thrilled with the blend of fun and discipline from the teachers. The class is a great combination of fitness, instruction, games, and "rolling" (guided practice wrestling). It also always impresses me how well students of different ages and skill levels are able to work together. My son is having a blast, he's proud of the skills he's building (he shows off his moves to everyone he meets), and he's learning the value of hard work. What could be better? read more

Whether your looking to just get in shape, a devout martial artist, or a competitive athlete, Serao Academy has something to offer. Though at its heart, this is a Jiu-Jitsu gym with an excellent coaching staff. But take advantage of some of the other classes offered: Muay Thai, Luta Livre, strength & conditioning... And regardless of your athletic ability or skill, Serao Academy is a great place to start of in your pursuit of your physical fitness goals. read more

Gi (unifom) & No Gi available. Muay Thai & Boxing Modern Strength & Conditioning (TRX) MMA Fighter Training (Beginn-Adv) read more

Serao Academy is more than just a great Jiu Jitsu gym. Does the main instructor foster a safe and uplifting environment? ... Maybe. Do you leave each session feeling more confident in your skills than when you first entered? ... Most likely not. But what makes Serao special, and what most everybody will agree on, is that this is a gym that keeps you coming back for more. Serao feels special because of the tight family of motivated students, the comedic bits sprinkled throughout lessons, and the intense atmosphere that pushes each individual far past their personal limit on the mat. If you are looking for a gym and live close enough to come, you cannot go wrong to join Serao. read more

I've been training at Serao Academy and for 18 months so far and I think this is really a great place for anyone who wants to learn Jiu-Jitsu at any level. The gym is a great mixture of MMA fighters, high level jiu jitsu athletes and bay area workers with a passion for jiu jitsu. Leopoldo Serao, the instructor, is a world class Jiu-Jitsu competitor and pro MMA fighter. Classes, both Gi and No-Gi are scheduled every day, many times a day, to fit everybody's needs. Highly recommended: fun, friendly and badass environment! read more

I used to train in Seattle. Came here a couple months ago. I checked out a couple gyms around the area and decided this was my best fit because it had a good mix of people with little/ a lot of experience. There are people of all ages and sizes so it's awesome to roll with people a lot smaller/ a lot bigger than yourself and try new things in the process. Leo is awesome and welcomed me from the beginning. He's friendly and funny, but will also kick your ass if it needs to be kicked (I've been dragged to train more when I say I'm done and he says otherwise...) He gets to know your limits and he pushes them pretty firmly, you're there to, learn jiu jitsu, get in excellent shape, and/or compete. Y ou do exactly that in Leo's gym. I HIGHLY recommend it. Though Leo needs a new spot because the place is catching on and we're quickly outgrowing the gym. read more

Wow this place is totally the shit. It is so awesome that I would walk 100 miles to come train at such an amazing place. The instructors here are phenomenal--even if you don't speak english just seeing them would probably help to level up your jiu jitsu. In short, you should definitely come here if you want to train bjj!!!!!!!!!! read more

I was looking for a place to train for a couple of days while visiting from Maryland. This is a great academy, everyone was very welcoming. The training was superb! I really enjoyed the experience, will definitely visit again. read more

Serao Academy - Martial Arts Near Me - Mountain View, California

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This place is the best. I trained here for two years and had a lot of fun both on and off the mat. Super crisp technique and really high caliber training partners. I recently moved out of the Bay Area and I feel like the time I spent at serao academy gave me the skill to choose a good gym by giving me a really sound and technical foundation. read more

Super! I was impressed with how, as a visitor to their dojo, they took me in and treated me as a friend and gave me great training and instruction. Really nice people with a lot to give a new student or an old student like myself. Go here. read more

Serao Academy. Where to start. How bout this place is far far more than the bees knees. I'd go with the "kitties titties". I never thought, first of all that I'd find myself here doing jiu jitsu, but also that I'd be driving at least 25 minutes north of my home to get there. Yes Yelp reader, why.. On earth! So many other gyms left and right! Cheaper gyms, bigger gyms, flashy gyms, gyms with advertisements, gyms on shirts on boobs, pokemon gyms. But I can say with most certainty the same car would be driven from SF if it needed to. I'll let you in on a secret few have heard. We have our own gi's now. Just kidding, actually though they're dope, anyway if you're truly lucky enough to stumble on this page you fucking know it's for a reason. This place is remarkable, beautiful, incredible, and what Leo has achieved is something only done by greats. The respect I have for Leo and his journey is titanic. He is in his own league. Leo is from Brazil, and luckily you'll be training Brazlian Jiu Jitsu. Check... Number one. He has been crowned not once but motherfucking twice the best grappler in his weight class in the entire fucking country of Brazil. Yes, that is no typo, Brazil, the big ass country home to hundreds of millions of people. You could only imagine how far those roots go. The fighting world is so vast, but do a google on "Leopoldo Serao" and you'll know. He is the man. Check number two...... Whats even funnier is how people like that seem to attract more fantastic people. Every single person I met at Serao was cool as fuck, every single person including women! and the more I rolled the more I learned. They all know what's up. Infinite checks! I was highly recommended by a good friend of mine to come train and check out what the Academy has to offer and what I ended up taking home were skills for life. Talk to anybody at Serao, I triple doggy dare you. Don't ever let fear of people, their size, or any of that shit including fear of injury prevent you from taking the plunge and trying something new. If anything, people will start to feel YOUR power. That should be in the fucking brochure! Show everyone love and you'll get it right back. With oomph. People are here to help you! Ya YOU! Reading this! Additionally, I greatly greeted the cornucopia of personal help I received and I'm glad I did. Criticism here is constructive and friendly. I have grown into a much, much stronger person. I'd like to thank Leo and friends with all my heart. I for sure would not be the same. Or just a wussy. Everyone here knows what's good the instant they walk through that glass door. And as all the beautiful reviews below me stated, egos are left outside and magic happens inside. It's pretty sweet dude. If you come here expect to learn, grow, and succeed, of course only if you put the work in. Another secret at the Academy is that if you're caught slacking, a little birdie nests itself in your phone and reminds you to hop up your fat butt. I won't tell you how though! After I train I don't even have to try to sleep. Sleep becomes synonymous with a wild berry pop tart going in the toaster. And I hate to be that guy, but if you still can't sleep after trying BJJ, don't go asking Leo for refunds cause it will personally be me returning your green. Haha! I started making people sammiches so I could pay for my classes and gi. Clearly, dear reader, I found a glorious calling. You might too. Probably actually. I only really had the pleasure of attending night classes, but Leo caters to all no matter what kind of schedule you have, and being the Godfather of the Academy, don't even think of being folgado at this place. Don't be fucking lazy! You're reading this because you're thinking of trying this gym. Or you love surfing Yelp. Go and try any of the world class group sessions he offers. I cannot recommend it enough. For free! If you don't like it you don't have to join. It's a good thing you have a whole week to decide. One final point for my precious short time at Serao, I never met a single quitter. Nobody tramples on anybody and everyone gets back up better than the last time. One of the many best parts of being done with training for the day is being able to do it not only all over again the next, but even better. And then sharing what you learned with the world. People looked past my silly bullshit and really helped me, in fact showed me how to become a better fighter. In every sense. Leo is the man, the head honcho, but his patience, wisdom, and talent passes on to those he teaches. You'll see what I mean. The people I met at Serao are hands down the greatest people I've had the luck of encountering. Incredibly blessed to meet every person. Seriously I'd keep going but Yelp gave me a limit. I cannot fuck wait to drop in whenever I return home to the beautiful bay. If you live there go. I approve. And Leo I owe you a roll! Train hard and you can. Also yelp doesn't give six stars... Obviously I give 82. read more

It's the people that make the community and this no-frills Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai gym attracts men and women who love the sport, want to learn and share what they have learned. Leo is familiar with a large network of international fighters from his pro fighting days and they come to teach and train with us from time to time. Ryan's Muay Thai class integrates strikes and counters into sequences that are as good for your memory as they are for your conditioning. There is a strong emphasis on drills and free sparring in each class, and I think this is the best part of Serao Academy and the fastest way to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. read more

Great place to learn jiu jitsu. Students are friendly, welcoming and helpful. Instructors are super high level although their English skills are questionable. I guess that's how you know they are the real deal. read more

Its hard to describe how great this place is without copying previous reviews but I'll do my best. I trained with Serao Academy over the summer and despite being a beginner the instructors and other classmates were friendly and always made sure to challenge me. Unlike many other big name bjj gyms in the area the owner (Leo) was at nearly every training session that I attended. I look forward to attending when I come back to the area. read more

I trained with Leo Serao and his team while I lived in Sunnyvale. I can honestly say it is a great group of people who train there. Whether you want to compete or just roll it is for you. Very technical instructors and super fun! Please stop in and be less #horrible at jiu jitsu. :) read more

This place is awesome! The coaches are the real deal! Very professional and experienced. The environment is comfortable and friendly, I always feel at ease when I come here to train. Highly recommend Serao Academy!! Give it a try.. you won't regret it!!! read more

Fantastic place to train BJJ! I started at Serao Academy a year ago after moving to Palo Alto. I had trained bjj previously in New York, and it was very easy to join and fit right in. Everyone at the academy is extremely welcoming, from the black belts on down . Leo himself keeps a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere at the gym. Although I say "relaxed" the training is top notch, and the quality of the jiu jitsu is very high. Many of the students are competitors, and regularly medal at the top tourneys. That said, there are also plenty of more casual people at the gym. Leo himself is an ex MMA and BJJ fighter who is extraordinarily skilled. Two of his blackbelts, Roscoe and Chad, also teach classes and are great. They all come at jiu jitsu from different perspectives and the end result is that students get a very well rounded game. There are plenty of gi and nogi classes during the week, and most students train both. Although I don't have kids, Leo offers classes for children, and they are always full. The kids have a great time learning jiu jitsu, and there is plenty of supervision. The facility itself is great. The mat space was recently expanded and there is plenty of room. There are two showers as well to wash off the enormous amount of sweat you will work up training. The gym is also located near several of the major roads in the area, and is easy to get to from any of the surrounding towns - Palo Alto, Mountain View, etc. The plaza where the academy is located has plenty of parking. I strongly recommend that anyone interested in BJJ check out Serao academy. Training here has been one of my most positive experiences in the bay area. read more

Serao Academy, and specifically Leopoaldo Serao's instruction are incredible. I trained with Leo for over 2 years and in the time found not only a great teacher and training partners, but friends. The community at Serao Academy is one like no place else, everyone is welcome and encouraged regardless of skill or ability. The JiuJitsu instruction is world class, and every session focused on both skill building and practice. The classes were a mix of people who wanted to compete and those who just wanted to practice jiujitsu for fun and health. I am no longer able to train at Serao Academy as I have moved, but when I moved Leo helped my find a new gym to train at so I could continue to train. I cannot more strongly recommend choosing Serao Academy as the place to train. read more

Serao is not just a gym, but it's a family. Leo is vested in every single one of his students' success and happiness. It's a supportive community where you'll learn training techniques, self defense and BJJ competition skills! read more

Great place to learn BJJ whether its to compete or just to get a workout in. Everyone is welcoming, helpful and wants you to return. Also its one of the few places that does nogi as well as gi. Leo is a legit 2nd degree black belt in BJJ and 3rd degree in luta livre (nogi) so you know you're learning from the best when you go here. read more

I've been training here for a little over a year now and it's one of the best gyms I've been to. The people are all very encouraging and will meet you at your level. There is a great mix of high level and low level jiu-jitsu players, and everybody is genuinely trying to get better and to help others get better. So whether you're just starting out or are a black belt looking for a good workout you'll fit right in. Highly recommended gym. read more

I went there but couldn't find it, does some one knows if they are still operative ? any contact details or a website ?